- Green’s ejection against the Suns marks his third of the season, highlighting a pattern of on-court incidents that have become a concern for both the Warriors and the league.
- The Warriors face challenges this season, and Green’s ejection adds to their difficulties as they aim to secure a playoff spot.
- Head coach Steve Kerr expressed disappointment in Green’s actions, emphasizing his need to avoid crossing the line into physical violence and highlighting the importance of supporting the player.
- Given Green’s history and the severity of the recent incident, the NBA is likely to conduct a thorough review, with potential fines and suspension on the table.
- The incident has sparked discussions among fans and players about the balance between physical play and unsportsmanlike behavior, contributing to the ongoing debate about sportsmanship in the NBA.
In a season marred by controversy, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was again in the spotlight as he was ejected from Tuesday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns for a flagrant foul committed against center Jusuf Nurkić.
This incident comes just two weeks after Green’s return from a five-game suspension for a previous on-court altercation. The Warriors were leading at Green’s ejection but eventually fell to the Suns 119-116, further complicating their challenging season.
“What's going on with him? I don't know. Personally, I feel like that brother needs help. I'm glad he didn't try to choke me. At the same time, it ain't nothing to do with basketball.”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 13, 2023
– Jusuf Nurkic on Draymond Green
(Via @BenGolliver ) pic.twitter.com/OxB9lmKnoD
The contentious play occurred in the third quarter as Green and Nurkić were vying for position during an in-bounds play. In a surprising move, Green spun around and delivered a forceful right swing to Nurkić’s face, prompting an immediate foul call and later upgraded to a flagrant 2, resulting in Green’s automatic ejection from the game.
This marks Green’s third ejection of the season, contributing to a concerning trend, as he has been ejected from 20% of the games he’s played this season.
History of Controversies
Green’s recent suspension, before this incident, resulted from putting Rudy Gobert in a chokehold during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The NBA cited Green’s “history of unsportsmanlike acts” when announcing the five-game suspension, and it seems that this history may play a role in any potential punishment for the latest incident against Nurkić.
According to a report by USA Today, the Warriors are currently facing a challenging season, standing at 10-13 and in 11th place in the Western Conference. The core players, including Green, are aging, and the younger talents have yet to step up, adding to the team’s difficulties fully. Green’s ejection doesn’t help their situation as they strive to secure a playoff spot.
Green’s Response and Coach Kerr’s Perspective
After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed his disappointment in Green’s actions, stating that Green “took it too far” and emphasizing the need for him to avoid crossing the line into physical violence. Kerr acknowledged that Green’s ejections this season have been a cause for concern, and he emphasized the importance of providing support to help Green make better decisions on the court.
League’s Reaction and Potential Consequences
Given Green’s history and the severity of the recent incident, it is likely that the NBA will conduct a thorough review. Green could face fines and another suspension depending on the league office’s assessment. The NBA has previously penalized Green based on his unsportsmanlike behavior, and it remains to be seen how they will address this latest transgression.
Reactions from Players and Fans
The incident sparked reactions from fans and players, with opinions divided on whether Green’s actions were justified. Some argue that the game’s physicality sometimes leads to such altercations, while others criticize Green for jeopardizing his team’s chances by getting ejected in critical moments.
Social media platforms are buzzing with discussions about Green’s on-court behavior, contributing to the ongoing debate about sportsmanship in the NBA.
Draymond green every time he steps on the court pic.twitter.com/qMjRrDeXdw
— ًd1 (@maskeduphater) December 13, 2023
How Draymond Green thinks NBA games are supposed to be played pic.twitter.com/COZKMw6AxL
— Carter🐐⛈️❤️🔥 (@CarterAntFan) December 13, 2023
Draymond Green walking onto the court. pic.twitter.com/AANPVh6bNo
— BMAC (@bryan1012000) December 13, 2023